by Lana Axe
“You make a valid point, Galen,” Kaiya cut in. “It is not unlike my people to think only of themselves.” To Tashi, she said, “Until we met, I had no idea your people existed. You were a bedtime story of a people long gone from this world. We can’t protect what we don’t know exists, but I agree we should have looked harder. I apologize for that.” What more could she say? She could not change the past, but it was still possible to shape the future.
After a moment of thought, Kaiya said, “As soon as I return, I’ll speak to leadership about protecting tribal lands. It shouldn’t be too difficult to convince them.” Due to the small size of the Ulihi tribe, they didn’t need much room. In addition, the land they inhabited was not where the dwarves preferred to dwell. But the men in charge could be stubborn when they saw something they wanted, and the glint of gold or some other ore could drive them to break any treaty signed with the Ulihi. In all likelihood, Kaiya would have to take her argument all the way to the king. Only his refusal to allow the building of new mines would put a stop to the incursion.
Her tone softening, Tashi said, “It is good of you to do this. I hope you will succeed.” Glancing over at Raad, she said, “I do not blame you personally. You did not build the mines, and you did not steal Ulihi lands.”
“Err, thanks,” the miner replied.
“But you work for them, and you take from the land what should be left undisturbed. I wonder what your gods think of that.”
“My gods are made of stone,” he jibed. “What I do honors them.”
“Is this true?” the priestess asked.
“It’s true that some dwarves worship the stone,” Kaiya explained. “I’m a little skeptical about Raad. I think he only worships the cask.”
The miner laughed heartily. “You got me there.”
“As for myself, I put my faith in the magic around me,” Kaiya went on. “The element that fuels my power and gives me strength is all I need.”
“My people believe that the gods inhabit all things,” Tashi said. “We have many of them, too many perhaps. Some have been long forgotten.” She didn’t know why, but the thought filled her with sorrow. It was possible her people had chosen poorly when it came to the gods. Could the forgotten ones have healed the children? She would never know.
“Fairy tales,” Raad grumbled.
“How do you mean?” Galen asked.
“A god of this and a god of that,” he said. “All fairy stories. Just like my old Gran when she told me about the mountain sprites.” He smirked, looking over at Tashi. “She used to make up stories of little people who ran around naked in the snow.”
“Seems that fairy tale was true,” Galen pointed out.
“I suppose so,” the miner replied.
“We don’t walk naked,” Tashi stated, “but we don’t need the heavy clothing you wear. We have lived among the snow-covered peaks for millennia and are well-suited to it.”
The group circled around a narrow ledge, slowly making their way around an unmovable boulder. Time and wind had smoothed it, the snow refusing to cling to its polished surface. Tashi rubbed her hand along its cold exterior.
“These smooth stones bring good luck,” she said. “Touch it as you pass.”
Kaiya did as the priestess bid, as did Galen. Seeing that the other two were participating, Raad reluctantly reached out his hand. It was likely nonsense, but miners could be superstitious as well. Rubbing one’s hands with dirt was essential before digging commenced. There was no reason for it, but everyone did it just the same. This act was no different.
“Tell me about yourself, Tashi,” Galen said. “I’ve read of your people, but what’s written in old tomes isn’t necessarily the real story. I’d love to hear what life is like for you.”
Giving the elf a sideways glance, Tashi tried to decide whether he was sincere. Making note of the slight smile on his lips, and his curious eyes, she concluded that his desire to learn was genuine.
“I am a high priestess,” she began. “I have many duties among my people. Most important is to speak to the gods on behalf of the tribe, and to administer blessings.”
“Do you use magic?” the elf asked.
She considered the question a moment. “Not in the way that Kaiya does,” she finally said. “I perform rituals as taught to me by my mother.” She looked down at her feet.
Noticing her pained expression, Galen asked, “What happened to her?”
“She died giving life to my dear sister, Annin,” Tashi replied, tears spilling from her eyes. “And now Annin is also gone, her life given for her child as well.”
“I’m sorry,” Galen said.
“I was powerless to prevent it,” she went on. “And more will surely die. It is my failing.”
“You couldn’t possibly be responsible,” the elf replied.
“I am the one who implores the blessing of the gods,” she said. “But the gods have abandoned me and all my people.” Her sorrow turned to anger, her voice growing louder, as if issuing a challenge. “Maybe they have died or found someone else to amuse them. Maybe our suffering amuses them. Who can say? Why else would they allow our children to die?”
“There are many skilled healers among my people,” Galen said. “When I return to the Vale, I will find the best among them and send them to aid you. I have no doubt one of them will find a cure.”
“Your offer is kind,” she replied, “but this is not a disease of the body. This is a curse of the gods, a true work of evil. Your healers can do nothing.”
“I’m still going to speak with them,” he promised.
Tashi nodded, but the words did not give her hope. She had already made the mistake of calling upon darkness to replace the missing light, and it had ended in disaster. No elf medicine would bring the gods back to the Ulihi, and Tashi had failed in her position as their spiritual leader. The image of her niece crept back into her mind, and her heart ached anew. The sorceress had to know a way to save the child. Magic was a tool of the gods, and it could be used to defy their will. If the gods planned to take Annin’s daughter, maybe Kaiya could stop them.
“What is your reason for traveling to the mines?” Tashi asked. “Why do they need your magic?” Had the gods found a way to punish the miners as well as the Ulihi?
“There have been avalanches, and people are getting hurt,” Kaiya said. “They sent Raad to fetch me to see if I could put a stop to it.”
“They should be used to such things,” Tashi said. “An avalanche is not an uncommon thing in these mountains.” Her voice was full of disappointment. This was not the work of the gods, only nature.
“I also had a vision,” Kaiya added.
Those words piqued Tashi’s interest. “What did you see?” she asked eagerly.
“I sensed a presence, and I saw myself high in the mountains,” Kaiya said. “Then I fell down into the heart of the mountain.”
“That is a powerful vision,” the priestess whispered. “Do you know who it was that you sensed?”
“A great mind,” the sorceress replied. “It was strong, powerful, and it definitely has an agenda. That’s why I’m traveling to the mines. I believe the avalanches there, the tremors in my own hometown, and my vision are all related.”
Swallowing hard, Tashi wondered if the demons she had unleashed could be the cause of it all. Her attempt to enlist the help of the dead god might have affected more than just the Ulihi. Once evil was unleashed, it was difficult to contain. It could wreak havoc wherever it pleased unless checked by a higher power. Tashi had no true magic with which to combat it, nor did any member of her tribe.
Looking the sorceress up and down, she attempted to measure her proficiency. Would this dwarf be strong enough? Tashi could only hope so. If Kaiya failed, there might not be time to seek out another. The Ulihi would be doomed, as would the dwarves.
The path grew wider as it twisted around a bend. The snow here was deeper, reaching past the dwarves’ ankles, and it showed no signs of disturbance by animal or otherwise. I
t lay perfectly smooth and even, a thin layer of melt forming on its top under the rays of the afternoon sun.
As the gap spread out, so did the weary companions. Their leg muscles ached from their steep-angle trek, but this area was primarily flat. The ground crunched slightly beneath their feet, a layer of gravel paving the way. Travel would be less challenging, at least for a while.
Looking into the distance, Kaiya could not resist a brief pause to admire the view. A gentle mist settled throughout the mountains on her right, as they spread endlessly into the shadows. A land wholly unspoiled by the touch of the dwarves, her heart yearned to explore it. This, however, was not the time. Her vision played over in her mind, telling her that there were other sights still to be seen.
“I think it’s getting colder,” Galen commented, pulling his cloak nearer his skin. He glanced skyward, puzzled at the drop in temperature. This should have been the warmest time of day, especially judging by the thin layer of melting ice atop the snowfall.
Grabbing Tashi’s arm, Kaiya stopped her from going any farther. She held up a hand for the others to stop as well before turning her ear to the wind, a voice wafting clearly toward her.
“Something is out there,” she said.
Chapter 9
“You see something?” Raad asked, squinting his eyes and craning his neck. Whatever Kaiya was seeing, the miner was not.
“I didn’t see it,” the sorceress replied. “I felt it.” Tuning her mind to the snow-covered path before them, she searched for whatever was watching. This was entirely different from the presence she had sensed before. This creature was also angry, but it was far less powerful.
“There!” Galen shouted, pointing toward the tree line. Outlined against the green boughs and powdery snow, the shape of a face came into view, its dark hair and eyes unmistakable against the backdrop.
“I don’t see anything,” Tashi said, still straining to see.
“I thought I did, but it’s gone,” Raad said.
“Not gone,” Kaiya said. “She’s moving closer.” The presence was distinctly female, both angry and woeful. Who are you? she projected with her mind.
No answer.
Trying again, the sorceress sent her message along the wind. Who are you? How did you come to this pass? Do you need help?
Silence.
“I see her!” Tashi shouted, pointing to a new location. The eyes stared out at the travelers, a hint of longing written within them.
Shutting her eyes, Kaiya waited, her ears hearing nothing but the wind. Finally, a voice drifted softly along an icy breeze.
Who am I? One who is lost. You are the help I seek.
Kaiya’s eyes shot open, the woman’s words echoing in her ears. There was malice behind them, her true intent uncertain.
“She’s moving toward us,” Galen said.
Looking straight ahead, the image of a woman in a flowing white robe appeared before them. She floated above the snow, no visible feet touching the ground. Her body was transparent, her form barely discernable in the distance. Softly, slowly, she moved toward the travelers.
“A yukona,” Tashi said, her voice cracking.
“Explain,” Kaiya replied, keeping her eyes focused on the apparition.
“She is an ancient spirit,” the priestess said. “The soul of one who died in this pass in a snowstorm or avalanche, and she has remained trapped.”
“What does she want?” Galen asked, fearing the answer.
“A host,” Tashi replied. “She craves a mortal body that she might walk the earth once more.”
“Well, she can’t have mine,” Raad said, readying himself for a fight.
“I doubt she’d want it,” Galen replied. “She probably wants Kaiya or Tashi.”
“Male or female doesn’t matter to her,” Tashi explained. “She is angry, and she will kill to get what her heart desires.”
“Do you know how to stop her?” Kaiya asked, fearing the answer.
“She can’t be stopped,” Tashi replied. “We must outrun her.”
At those words the group proceeded forward at a brisk pace, but they did not run. The yukona’s movements were too unpredictable, and running could easily land them straight in her clutches.
Fewer than a hundred feet ahead, Tashi, who was in the lead, slammed into an unseen barrier, landing hard on her back. Kaiya helped her to her feet and placed a palm against the invisible wall.
“She’s erected some kind of shield,” she announced. “We’ll have to find a way around it.”
The group spread out, each of them running their hands along the barrier, searching for an opening.
“Over here,” Raad called.
The others joined him, still guiding themselves with their hands. The wall was now on both sides of them, a narrow hallway of magical barriers forcing them toward the trees.
“She’s funneling us,” Kaiya muttered, her displeasure obvious.
The path grew narrower, forcing them into single file. Kaiya took the lead, her eyes glowing with silver magic. A piercing shriek sliced through their ears, their hands instinctively reaching up to cover them.
Anger rose in the sorceress, the magical barrier preventing her full contact with the wind. Summoning her magical stores, she turned her palms outward, blasting energy at the barrier. She could sense it weakening, the air surrounding it forcing the walls outward. Another blast collapsed the shield, silver sparks raining where the barrier had stood.
An ethereal face appeared before Tashi, close enough she could have reached up and touched it. In an instant, it disappeared, leaving no clue as to where it might have gone.
“Run!” the priestess shouted.
This time, the others obeyed. Dashing away from the trees, they ran for the center of the gap. If the yukona wanted them near the trees, they would stay as far from them as possible. Running through the clearing, all eyes ahead, they attempted to outrun their hidden enemy. Raad lagged behind the others, but the touch of an unseen hand on his shoulder prompted him to quicken his pace.
A second mournful wail cut through the frigid air with a force great enough to knock the travelers off their feet. The yukona hadn’t finished with these invaders. She needed one of them to stay behind, to give her what she craved.
Kaiya rolled to her feet, her hands lit with silver sparks. Summoning the wind, she allowed her mind to travel on it, searching for the apparition. A single strand of dark hair revealed itself, floating only a few feet above Tashi.
“Stay down!” the sorceress shouted.
Tashi obeyed, laying low to the ground. Kaiya unleashed an energy blast over the priestess’s head, hitting the yukona in her midsection. The specter flew backward, doubling over in surprise. Regaining her senses, her eyes flashed with anger. With blind fury, she flew at the sorceress, her clawed fingers aimed for the kill.
Wasting no time, Kaiya raised her hands to the sky, her hair swirling on an upward draft. The whirling air intensified, lifting her feet slightly off the ground. Redirecting the wind, she launched it forward, catching the yukona midair. The creature lurched sideways, desperately clawing at the air, but to no avail.
Her eyes flashing silver, Kaiya sent the cyclone along with the specter hurtling toward the trees, rattling the boughs and forcing them aside. A shriek sounded in the distance as the yukona was carried farther and farther away, fading into a distant memory.
“Let’s get out of here,” Kaiya said, dropping her hands to her sides.
“Will she come after us?” Galen asked as the group started to run.
“I don’t want to find out,” Raad answered.
In the distance, Kaiya could still sense the yukona. She was angry and bitter, but she was not in pursuit. The sorceress did not know whether such a creature could be physically injured, but it didn’t matter. If she and her friends made it away from the woods, they would likely be safe. The yukona was best left to her own misery.
Ignoring their rumbling stomachs and aching feet, the four of them
moved on, hoping to put a great distance between themselves and the apparition. It was hours before they decided to pause for a rest and have a few bites to eat. The sun was already moving behind the mountain, and the light was beginning to fade.
Passing around what was left of her food, Kaiya urged her companions to eat quickly. “We need to reach the mines by nightfall.”
“It might be best to make camp here,” Raad suggested. “The sun disappears early up here.”
It was sound advice, but Kaiya had had enough. And she wouldn’t risk the return of the yukona. “It isn’t safe here,” she said. “We can’t stay.”
Not up for an argument, Raad nodded. “How much farther, do you think?”
“We will arrive tonight,” Tashi said, “but not before dark.”
“Then let’s get moving,” the miner replied.
As they returned to their feet, the ground trembled beneath them. The sound was quiet at first, but crescendoed into a thundering roar.
“Another quake?” Raad asked.
Tashi shook her head. “Avalanche!” she cried, staring upward. Snow slid along the steep embankment to their left. “Take cover!”
Their best bet for cover was a series of large boulders, which they quickly darted behind. The falling ice and snow crashed around them, losing speed as it crossed the gap and slid out of sight over the edge. Kaiya risked moving from safety to observe the peak.
“It’s finished,” she announced. “We can consider ourselves lucky.”
“But what caused it?” Galen asked. “Will it happen again?” There might not always be a boulder to hide behind if they continued their climb.
“That is nature,” Tashi said. “It happens often.” She could not remember how many hundreds of avalanches she had witnessed in her lifetime. One of her duties as High Priestess was to ensure her village was protected from such things. It did not require spells or incantations, or even the blessing of the gods. It was a matter of simple geography, knowing the lay of the land.
“Kaiya?” Galen asked, awaiting confirmation.
“I sense no magic involved,” Kaiya stated, easing the elf’s tension. “Let’s keep going.”
